Blueberry As Both A Superfood And Skin Care Treatment

Often times, when we think of superfoods we think of spinach, grapes, green tea and other vegetables and extracts that are primarily listed for their levels of antioxidants. Did you know that the blueberry is one of the most nutritious and powerful superfoods.  Blueberry along with the acai berry have one of the highest known levels of antioxidants of any food. Higher levels of antioxidants than red wine and green tea combined. It is full of amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, and essential fatty acids. Blueberries have many uses as blueberry extract has been used in ancient herbal and medicinal treatments for thousands of years. Many skin care treatments now use blends of blueberry extracts along with other herbs to help revitalize the skin and hasten healing. These treatments have been clinically proven to decrease healing time for skin peels, especially deeper skin peels like the TCA skin peel. They have also shown marked ability at reducing scarring in wound and burn treatment. For optimum skin care one should regularly eat high antioxidant foods like blueberry, acai, pomegranate, and spinach. These foods with their high concentrations of antioxidants and nutrients help combat and can even reverse the aging process. With the right diet full of antioxidant rich foods one can virtually stop wrinkles in their tracks. A good diet along with a good skin care regimen can produce amazing results. A good skin care regimen includes a mild cleanser, a moisturizer packed with antioxidant extracts, and skin peels to increase exfoliation and reduce oily build up.   Blueberries are rich in fiber as well as vitamins A and C, while low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. They are also a good source of antioxidants, and can be eaten raw, cooked with other foods, or dried for use in tea. No matter what form you take blueberriesin your diet, their many vitamins and nutrients can be good for your skin. Whether you suffer from acne, broken capillaries or splotchy skin, the nutrients in blueberries will help. Blueberries and Acne Although acne is typically attributable more to hormones than to the physical condition of your skin, certain nutrients can counteract the hormonal conditions which encourage pimples. Many of the vitamins in blueberries may neutralize or normalize oil levels in your skin, making it healthier and less likely to accumulate sebum. Vitamin A, in particular, is used in a variety of acne-related skin treatments. Antioxidants in Blueberries The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in blueberries help to neutralize free radicals, which might otherwise damage skin cells, leaving your skin with a younger and softer look and feel. A diet high in fat and carbohydrates can also encourage skin aging, so blueberries prevent aging by providing you with many needed nutrients while providing very low levels of fat and cholesterol. Why try Blueberry skin care? While it's no surprise that blueberries are one of our favorite fruits—they just happen to be one of the healthiest as well. Blueberries contain some of the highest antioxidant levels found in all fruits and vegetables, and they've been known to greatly improve the cardiovascular system, increase cognitive function, and regulate blood sugar. In addition to your handful-a-day, blueberries can also be an effective topical skin care ingredient . In peak season March to May it is the perfect time to experiment with  blueberry skin care. Try these blueberry skin care recipes after your next trip to the market. Nourishing Blueberry Facial Mask 1.    1/4 Cup Raw Blueberries (better if they're slightly ripe) 2.    1 Tablespoon Raw Organic Honey 3.    1 Tablespoon Olive or Grapeseed Oil Mash all the ingredients together or use a blender and to mix well. Apply a 1/4" thick layer all over the face (excluding eyes and mouth). Leave the mask on for five to ten minutes, then wash off with a damp cloth. Blueberry Aloe Eye Mask 1.    Handful of Blueberries 2.    2 Tablespoons of Aloe Vera Gel Cold blueberries feel amazing on the skin and make a great under eye treatment during hot summer days. In a small bowl, mash a handful of cold blueberries (if yours are room temperature, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes). Then, add aloe vera gel (fresh is best but you can also buy the gel at your local health food store) and dab your mixture delicately under the eyes. Take a 20 minute break from whatever you're doing and lie down with your cooling eye mask—smell the fresh summer air, or simply sleep! Remove with lukewarm water and your eyes should look brighter and feel refreshed.  Truly the blueberry has many current and promising functions and, as a superfood and it should be made a staple of every diet for additional health, great skin care and longevity. Do try it out and give me your feedback.